Pressurized fluid extraction of carotenoids from Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina and kavalactones from Piper methysticum

Pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) was examined as an alternative technology for the extraction of carotenoids in the green algae Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina and kavalactones in Piper methysticum. The extraction process was optimized by varying the key extraction factors of solvent, sample-solvent ratio, temperature, and time. The selectivity and efficiency of extraction parameters were determined with high performance liquid chromatography (LC) and LC-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results showed that PFE utilization of conventional solvents under controlled temperature and pressure in an oxygen and light-free environment could result in the use of less solvent in a shorter period of time. PFE showed higher or equal extraction efficiencies as compared with traditional solvent extractions while maintaining the integrity of chemical components. PFE showed high potential for extraction of natural products and nutraceuticals, particularly labile and light sensitive chemicals. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.